Full Breakdown
USS Juneau Sunk in Live-Fire Exercise During Valiant Shield 2026
7/1/2026, 4:08:04 PM
Torpedo Strike Sends USS Juneau to the Ocean Floor
On 27 June 2026, the decommissioned Austin-class amphibious transport dock USS Juneau (LPD-10) was deliberately sunk more than 200 nautical miles off Guam in the Mariana Islands Range Complex. A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) submarine delivered the final torpedo strike during the live-fire sinking exercise (SINKEX) that formed part of the biennial Valiant Shield 2026 training.
Historical Context
Commissioned in 1969, Juneau served in Vietnam and Desert Storm before decommissioning in 2008.
Participating Forces & Weaponry
Valiant Shield 2026 included the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The sinking used a JMSDF torpedo, a U.S. Navy P-8A Harpoon missile and a B-2 LRASM.
Environmental Safeguards
The target ship was cleaned of PCBs, petroleum, mercury and other pollutants per EPA guidelines, and the site was surveyed for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Official Statements & Responses
Rear Adm. Eric Anduze said the exercise offered a rare chance to integrate capabilities across domains and sharpen lethal precision. Lt. Cmdr. Katie Koenig noted the coordinated use of air-launched missiles and the submarine torpedo as essential training. U.S. Navy public affairs confirmed compliance with environmental regulations.
Data & Statistics
The Juneau was sunk ~200 nm (?370 km) off Guam on 27 June 2026. The vessel, an Austin-class LPD commissioned in 1969 and decommissioned in 2008, was targeted by forces from the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand using a JMSDF torpedo, a P-8A Harpoon missile and a B-2 LRASM.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This SINKEX provided an outstanding opportunity for our joint team to integrate capabilities across domains, honing the lethal precision and coordination essential for high-end maritime operations in the Pacific theater,” — Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5 and Task Force 70
- “A Navy P-8A Poseidon fired an AGM-84D Harpoon missile and a B-2 Spirit bomber launched a Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, or LRASM, during the June 27 ship sinking exercise, Koenig told Task & Purpose.” — Lt. Cmdr. Katie Koenig, Director, Combined Joint Information Bureau, Valiant Shield 2026
- “All operations adhered strictly to federal environmental regulations and international standards.” — U.S. Navy Public Affairs, Valiant Shield 2026
What’s Next
Valiant Shield ends on 1 July 2026; forces will review lessons learned and apply refined tactics to future Pacific-theater operations, bolstering readiness against a growing Chinese naval presence.
